this post was submitted on 02 May 2025
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[–] Mouselemming@sh.itjust.works 124 points 3 months ago (31 children)

We make logging companies "replant forests" (yes it's not at all the same as the old growth but it's something). Why do we let mining companies completely rape the land and replace nothing? It doesn't even look like they backfill with the unused debris, much less restore topsoil or plant anything.

[–] nfamwap@feddit.uk 49 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (4 children)

Here in the UK I know of lots of old mines and quarries that, because the ground is inherently unstable once the mining has finished, the land gets reclaimed as a nature reserve. Think nice walks, wildflowers, native trees, marshlands etc. A lot of effort goes into making habitats for insects, birds and animals.

Whether or not it is all paid for by the mining companies, I don't know.

[–] sugar_in_your_tea@sh.itjust.works 8 points 3 months ago (1 children)

That's how we do it here in the US if they're operating near an urban area. My understanding is that they are required by law to do that in exchange for the permits or something.

[–] turtlesareneat@discuss.online 10 points 3 months ago

Only if the city cares. I'm in a capital city where strip mining occurs within city limits, and they just leave acid pools behind because the thick forests keep people from noticing it

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